Appertain vs. Pertaining — What's the Difference?

Appertain is used to describe something that belongs to or is connected with another thing as an inherent part or attribute. For instance, privileges that appertain to a certain position involve rights or benefits that are naturally linked to that role. Whereas, pertaining is more directly concerned with the relevance or relation to a specific subject or context, like details pertaining to a case directly relate to the specifics of that situation.

Appertain often implies a sense of belonging or possession, suggesting that something is an essential or natural part of something else. For example, dignity appertains to human nature suggests that dignity is an inseparable quality of being human. On the other hand, when we say facts pertaining to an argument, it implies these facts are directly relevant and specific to the argument, rather than being a natural or inherent aspect.

The use of appertain can denote a formal or legalistic relationship, emphasizing the idea of rights, privileges, or properties that are attached to a status or position. Conversely, pertaining is used in a broader context to indicate relevance or connection to the matter at hand, without the formal implication of ownership or entitlement.

In legal or formal documents, appertain might be used to specify the connection of rights, duties, or properties to a particular subject or entity. Meanwhile, pertaining is often found in academic, technical, or everyday language to describe the relevance or relationship of information, facts, or details to a topic or subject.

While appertain has a more exclusive and inherent connotation, indicating a belonging that is not easily separable from the subject, pertaining is more inclusive and flexible, referring to a wide range of connections and relevances that are subject-specific but not necessarily inherent.